[Study of the route of intrahepatic metastasis of primary hepatic carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE

To study the relationship between pylic countercurrent blood-flow and intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocarcinoma.

METHODS

Portal vein-hepatic artery fistula and pylic countercurrent blood flow in the liver were examined by color Doppler ultrasound. Patients examined were divided into four groups: group 1, hepatocarcinoma with background of hepatitis, group 2, hepatocarcinoma without background of hepatitis, group 3, hepatitis and group 4, normal liver.

RESULTS

Pylic countercurrent flood flow was most frequently observed in group 1 patients. Intrahepatic metastasis was more frequent in group 1 than in group 2 patients. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of portal vein-hepatic artery fistula formation around and inside of tumor between group 1 and group 2 patients.

CONCLUSION

Intrahepatic metastasis of hepatocarcinoma is due to countercurrent blood flow in the portal system.